🔧 Transmission Fluid - Drain and Fill

On your Highlander, the automatic transmission uses Toyota WS fluid and is serviced by draining and refilling, not by a simple dipstick check. The key is to refill to the correct level using the fill plug and verify the fluid temperature if the transmission has a level check procedure.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the parking brake fully engaged.
• Transmission fluid can be hot. Let the vehicle cool before opening drain or fill plugs.
• Use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep dirt out of the transmission. Clean around plugs before removal.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan
• 10mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Fluid transfer pump
• Funnel with hose
• Ratchet
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Automatic transmission fluid (Toyota WS) - Qty: 4-5 quarts
• Transmission drain plug gasket - Qty: 1
• Transmission fill plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Raise the vehicle evenly and support it securely on jack stands.
• Warm fluid drains more completely, but avoid working on a hot transmission.
• Have the new fluid ready before you open the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the vehicle, then support it with jack stands.
• Keep the vehicle level side-to-side and front-to-back for an accurate fluid level.
• Level matters for fill accuracy.

Step 2: Locate the transmission drain and fill plugs

• Use a light and look under the transmission case.
• Identify the drain plug at the bottom and the fill plug on the side of the transmission housing.
• Clean both areas with shop towels before opening them.

Step 3: Remove the drain plug and drain the fluid

• Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use the 24mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the fluid drain completely, which usually takes several minutes.
• Install a new transmission drain plug gasket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 24mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the fill plug

• Place the drain pan under the fill area in case of spill.
• Use the 24mm socket to remove the fill plug.
• If the fill plug is stuck, stop and make sure you can remove it before continuing.

Step 6: Fill with fresh transmission fluid

• Use the fluid transfer pump and funnel with hose to add Toyota WS automatic transmission fluid.
• Add fluid slowly until it begins to seep out of the fill opening.
• Let excess drip until it becomes a thin stream, then a slow drip.
• Install a new transmission fill plug gasket.
• Torque to 49 Nm (36 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Check for leaks and verify level

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• With your foot on the brake, shift slowly through all gear positions, pausing a few seconds in each.
• Return to Park and inspect both plugs for leaks.
• If the level-check procedure is needed on your transmission, verify fluid at the specified temperature before finalizing the fill.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the vehicle and take a short test drive.
• Check for smooth shifting and no warning lights.
• Reinspect for leaks after the drive.
• Dispose of used fluid at a recycling center or parts store.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$320 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $55-$110 (parts only)

You Save: $125-$210 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.